Renowned author Akshat Gupta, speaking at an interactive session during the Assam Book Fair in Guwahati on Sunday, 28 December 2025, urged people to cultivate the habit of gifting books instead of bouquets at weddings and social gatherings, underscoring the lasting value of books over fleeting floral gifts.

Drawing a comparison, Gupta noted that a bouquet typically costs around Rs 300, an amount that could easily buy one or even two books.

He pointed out that while flowers wither within a day, books endure and remain accessible for years.

"A book can be revisited repeatedly, making it a far more meaningful and enduring gift then a bouquet of flowers," the author of The Hidden Hindu trilogy series stressed.

Addressing the audience at the book fair, Gupta observed that those attending the session were already inclined towards reading, but emphasised that the real challenge lay in inspiring the next generation to take up books.

"If the next generation is to be inspired to read, they must be gifted books," he said.

"You are here at the book fair. Visit the stalls and buy a book—do not worry about its thickness. Start with a comic if you must, but make a beginning," he added.

He further highlighted the importance of introducing children to reading through age-appropriate material, advising that young readers should begin with smaller, simpler books rather than classics.

Gupta explained that illustrations in children’s books play a vital role in capturing a child’s imagination and drawing them into stories.

According to him, visual elements help children connect with narratives, making reading an engaging and enjoyable experience and encouraging them to turn pages with curiosity and interest.

"Once a beginning is made, the journey continues on its own," he remarked, adding that a strong foundation in early reading often leads to a lifelong relationship with books.

Gupta also pointed to the practical advantage of books as gifts, noting that they can be bought in advance and kept ready for suitable occasions, unlike flowers, which must be purchased at the last moment.

Reiterating his central argument, he said that books, unlike bouquets, do not end up in dustbins, and therefore stand out as far more precious and thoughtful gifts.

Speaking about his entry into the world of writing, Akshat Gupta said that his journey began as a hobby during a difficult phase of his life.

He shared that he had taken to writing while dealing with depression, initially as a personal outlet. Over time, the hobby evolved into a deep passion, which eventually shaped his professional path.

According to Gupta, this gradual transformation is what led him to where he stands today.

Emphasising perseverance, he said that anyone who truly loves to write should continue doing so consistently, regardless of immediate outcomes or recognition.

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